Orthodontic Elastics

This information sheet is designed to help you better understand the importance of complete cooperation in the matter of wearing orthodontic elastics.

Patients are routinely instructed to wear elastics at all times except while replacing them or when brushing their teeth. Unless otherwise instructed here at the office, elastics should be worn at all times. (Night and day and at mealtime).

Certain tooth movements are achieved through the orthodontic wires, and other movements are accomplished by means of elastics. Successful orthodontic treatment depends on two things: constant pressure and time.

The immediate result in failure to wear elastics for several hours is that the teeth will slip back toward their former positions. Do not double up if you forget to wear your elastics.

The long-term result of failure to wear elastics as directed is that treatment will be extended beyond the estimated time and we will not be able to obtain an ideal result.

Change to a new elastic once every 24 hours even if they are not broken. Remember rubber bands get tired too!

If your elastic supply is getting low or if elastics have been misplaced or lost, please contact the office.

Patients should carry extra elastics with them at all times in the event of breakage.

If for any reason you are unable to wear elastics as directed, please contact the office in order that an appointment can be arranged to rectify the problem.

To apply: open your mouth about halfway and reach in to hook the elastics the way we show you. If instructed to wear back to front, hook on the back tooth first and stretch forward to the bracket or hook in the front of your mouth.